Trump had ‘great respect’ for Comey before he fired him

President Trump fired FBI Director James Comey Tuesday, a stunning move with seismic implications. The White House said Trump acted on the recommendation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and his deputy, Rod Rosenstein, who were critical of how Comey handled the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails. The president later condensed the criticism into a simple phrase: “He wasn’t doing a good job.”

During the campaign, however, Trump was a vocal fan of the FBI chief, praising him from the podium at his massive campaign rallies, particularly after Comey’s October letter informing congressional leaders the bureau was reopening its Clinton investigation.

Clinton believes Comey’s “October surprise” cost her the election, and Trump might too: At a White House ceremony shortly after inauguration, he greeted Comey by blowing him a kiss.